Discover the irresistible taste of Flavorful Chicken Tikka Masala with this easy-to-follow recipe! With tender chicken marinated in flavorful spices and creamy coconut milk, this dish is sure to impress. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it pairs beautifully with basmati rice or naan. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of India to your kitchen tonight!
500g chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons garam masala
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust according to desired spice level)
4 cloves of garlic, finely minced
1 inch fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 can (400g) diced tomatoes, with juices
1 cup coconut milk
Salt, to taste
Fresh cilantro (coriander), chopped, for garnish
![To make Easy Chicken Tikka Masala, gather these essential ingredients: - 500g chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup plain yogurt - 2 tablespoons garam masala - 1 tablespoon ground cumin - 1 tablespoon ground coriander - 1 teaspoon turmeric - 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust for spice level) - 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1 inch fresh ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes, with juices - 1 cup coconut milk - Salt, to taste - Fresh cilantro (coriander), chopped, for garnish To boost the taste, you can add these optional items: - 1 tablespoon lemon juice for a tangy twist - 1-2 green chili peppers, chopped, for extra heat - 1 teaspoon sugar to balance flavors - Additional spices like cinnamon or cardamom for depth You will need these items to make cooking easier: - A large mixing bowl for marinating chicken - A sharp knife and cutting board for prep - A skillet or frying pan for cooking - A spoon or spatula for stirring - Measuring spoons for accurate ingredient amounts - A serving dish for presentation Gathering these ingredients and utensils sets you up for a flavorful cooking experience. Enjoy the process of making this delightful dish! To start, take a mixing bowl. In it, add 1 cup of plain yogurt. Then, mix in 2 tablespoons of garam masala, 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, and 1 tablespoon of ground coriander. Next, add 1 teaspoon of turmeric and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. You can adjust the chili powder to suit your taste. Finally, add half of the minced garlic and the grated ginger. Stir everything together until it forms a smooth marinade. This mix is key to a flavorful dish. Now, take 500g of diced chicken breast. Add it to the marinade you just made. Make sure every piece is well-coated. This is where the magic happens! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, let it sit overnight. This allows the spices to soak into the chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 finely chopped onion. Sauté it for about 5 minutes until it turns soft and clear. Next, add the remaining minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1-2 more minutes. This step fills your kitchen with a lovely aroma. Now, add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Reserve any leftover marinade. Cook the chicken for about 7-10 minutes until it browns. Then, pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juices and the reserved marinade. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 more minutes. Lower the heat, and stir in 1 cup of coconut milk. Mix it well. Let it simmer gently for another 10 minutes. You can add water if you want a thinner sauce. Season with salt to taste. When it’s ready, turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes. This resting time helps the flavors blend well. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. To get the best flavor, marinate your chicken well. Use plain yogurt as your base. Yogurt helps to tenderize the meat and adds a tangy taste. Mix yogurt with spices like garam masala, cumin, and turmeric. This mixture will coat every piece of chicken. Make sure to let it marinate for at least one hour. For the best results, marinate overnight. This gives the spices more time to soak in. Cooking techniques matter a lot. Start by sautéing onions in olive oil. This adds sweetness and depth to your dish. After the onions are soft, add garlic and ginger for more flavor. These ingredients should cook just until fragrant. This step enhances the taste of the whole dish. When adding the marinated chicken, let it brown well. Browning adds a nice texture. Finally, add diced tomatoes and coconut milk, stirring thoroughly to combine. To make your meal complete, serve Chicken Tikka Masala with basmati rice or naan. The rice soaks up the sauce, making every bite delicious. Naan is perfect for scooping up the sauce. For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped cilantro. You can also add lime wedges for extra zing. This adds a bright flavor that balances the spices. For more fun, consider serving a side salad or yogurt raita to cool things down. {{image_4}} You can easily swap chicken for vegetables or tofu. For a vegetarian version, use firm tofu. Cut it into cubes and marinate just like the chicken. You can also use mixed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower. These options soak up the spices nicely. Cook them until they're tender. The flavors will still shine through. Not everyone enjoys the same level of heat. If you want less spice, reduce the chili powder. Start with a half teaspoon and taste as you go. For more heat, add extra chili powder or even fresh chopped chilies. Remember, you can always add more, but it’s hard to take it away. If you have dietary needs, you can make changes easily. For a dairy-free version, use almond yogurt instead of plain yogurt. If you're gluten-free, check that all spices and canned goods are gluten-free. Coconut milk is a great dairy substitute, but you can also use vegetable broth for a lighter sauce. You can find the full recipe [here]. To store leftover chicken tikka masala, let it cool down first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When reheating chicken tikka masala, use the stove for the best taste. Place it in a pan over low heat. Stir occasionally to warm it evenly. You can add a splash of water or coconut milk if it seems too thick. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to overheat. To freeze chicken tikka masala, ensure it is fully cooled. Place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can make Easy Chicken Tikka Masala ahead of time. Prepare the dish, then cool it down. Store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, just reheat on the stove until hot. This helps the flavors meld even more! If you want to swap out coconut milk, try using heavy cream or Greek yogurt. These options add creaminess without losing flavor. You can also use almond milk, but it may change the taste a bit. Just remember to adjust the seasoning to keep it tasty. Easy Chicken Tikka Masala can be made spicy or mild. The chili powder is the main spice. Start with a small amount if you prefer less heat. You can always add more later, but you can’t take it out once it’s in! Adjust it to your taste for the best experience. We explored how to make easy Chicken Tikka Masala, focusing on ingredients, instructions, and tips. You learned about required and optional ingredients that elevate flavor. Understanding marinating and cooking steps ensures juicy chicken. Plus, I shared ways to adapt recipes for different diets and spice levels. In closing, enjoy your meal and feel free to experiment. Happy cooking!](https://joymealplan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/7203decf-58c7-4016-ac99-38120703d330-300x300.webp)